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McDonnell Trial: Deliberations Begin Tuesday

After they receive a set of instructions, a federal jury will begin deliberating the fate of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen on Tuesday. The Friday session went on longer than usual to finish up the closing arguments of the McDonnells’ Richmond trial prior to the start of the Labor Day weekend. Federal prosecutors have accused Bob and Maureen McDonnell of taking gifts and loans from their star witness Jonnie Williams in exchange for promoting his dietary supplements. The McDonnell defense team says the former governor did nothing more than introduce Williams to members of his staff, something he would have done for any other Virginia businessman. The lawyers for Bob McDonnell (pictured right) highlighted what they characterize as wife Maureen’s (pictured left) delight in getting free vacations and shopping sprees for which Williams picked up the tab. They also emphasized a deep rift in the first couple’s marriage. The former governor’s lawyers contend the McDonnells couldn’t be guilty of a conspiracy if the pair rarely spoke to each other.